Sunday Chronicles: Event Wrap Up

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A huge thank you to every one who came out on Thursday night! I hope you had a much fun as I did playing dress up with the amazing vintage at Bloomers and Frocks. Just a reminder: make sure you’ve signed up for Nifty by today to be eligible for the give away (as in sign up NOW). We will announce the winner this evening!

Good luck!

Wishing us all a week of love and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Halloween +Event

investment Piece, Halloween, hocus pocus, fashion blogger

Loves! It’s almost Halloween! I realize you may have celebrated last night (in which case may I recommend coconut water, charcoal, and a burger). My big plans? My all time favorite movie Hocus Pocus, and handing out candy with my sister! If you need costume ideas for your plans might I suggest this, this, this, this or this. I hope whatever you do, or don’t do, there’s candy and good times to be had!

If you follow me on Instagram (and I hope you do @racheladelicia) you know that I have an event coming up!
Investment Piece, bloomers and frocks, event, fashion, vintage, blogger, Austin, TX, holiday, styling

If you’re in Austin on 11/10 I hope that you join me at Bloomers and Frocks! We will have wine, snacks, and great holiday styling tips (as well as some of the most amazing vintage! See my review of Bloomers and Frocks here)

Happy Halloween! And hope to see you soon!

Wishing us all a week of haunting and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronciles: Rock the Vote

investment Piece, Rock the Vote, Sunday chronicles, fashion blogger

Loves, let me be clear, I have no intention of starting a fiery political discussion. This election has us all a little raw, and all a little firm in our positions. That’s ok. I support your right to believe what you believe, and to vote what you feel to be right. What I’m here to chat about is voting. The act. The thing that our ancestors fought for the right for, rocking the vote. Beyond the president (which I get, you may not like the candidates, I still feel like you should vote. No matter what, your voice matters), there is so much on the ballot this year. Senators and Representatives. State wide props and laws. Judges and Sheriffs. Local elections. All of this matters. All of this demands that we educate ourselves about what we truly think is best for our nation, our state, our city–and then using our right to have our voice be heard. Change moves from small up, so little elections matter. Props that take your tax dollar, that affect schools, matter. Even if you don’t like who you’re voting for, it matters. Even if you think your vote won’t be counted, it will, and it matters. I won’t tell you how to vote. I won’t shame you for your opinion. What I will ask is that you vote. Speak up. Rock the vote.

Wishing us all a week of exercising our rights and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Fall Movies

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Fences

Fall means pumpkin everything, the return of cool weather, sweaters, boots and scarves. However, to me, fall also means the return of movies. Not that movies go anywhere, but like the seasons change we move from a period of Blockbuster, fun, summer movies to more serious, “award” worthy, in depth movies. (Side note, we could go off on what an “award” film is loves, and how I feel like it’s criminal that comedies don’t receive more awards, but that’s a topic for another time.) As an actress and someone who loves movies, this is one of the best parts of fall. I simply love movies; I love the stories, the visuals, the way that they touch me. I love going to the movies, especially matinees (it feels like you’re playing hooky!) So this onslaught of fall movies is a little like heaven to me. What about you? Do you love fall movies like I do? Below is a small list of movies I’m looking forward to seeing (this is by no means all of them!) What are you excited to see?

For more information about fall movies and their plots check here, here and here

My picks:

Fences (pictured above)
American Pastoral
Passengers
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Edge of Seventeen
The Dressmaker
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Loving
Arrival
The Accountant
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Miss Sloane
Nocturnal Animals
A Monster Calls
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Allied
Max Rose
The Girl on the Train
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The Handmaiden
Manchester by the Sea
And La La Land

I can’t wait to share my faves with you through the season!

Wishing us all a week of stories and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Hurricane Relief

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Loves, as we all know the past few days have been a lot for those in the South East and Carribean. Hurricane Matthew has devestated Haiti, wrecked havoc on Florida, and as this is being typed making landfall on the Carolinas. My heart aches when I read about the lives lost (oh Haiti), and the loss (homes, etc) that so many are facing. At times like these, it can feel simply overwhelming. With so much devastation it can be hard to know how to start and where to help. But loves, I like to think that times like these are opportunities for us to be our best selves, to put humanity ahead of agenda and help each other. So where to start? The Red Cross has a donation hotline that you can donate to via text (90999), and is always in need of supplies and blood donations. If the Red Cross isn’t your speed there are several organizations to help, including SOIL, Doctors Without Borders, Border of Lights, etc. While there can be lists online make sure that you do a little bit of research on any organization you give to! And here at home, let’s love each other a little hard in these times: say hi to your neighbors, hold the door for others, smile. We’re in this together, so let’s help each other through this!

Wishing us all a week of love and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Anti-List

InvestmentPiece, fashion blogger, Sunday Chronicles, anti-list, editorial, wear what you like

Loves, the thing is if you know me well, you know I’m not anti-list. I love lists! I make to-do lists, shopping lists, wish lists, shooting lists, lists about my schedule, wants, needs, gratitude. I use lists in all sorts of ways (and yes, get a strange satisfaction from crossing things off my list). So anti-list? Yes, loves, I am. Let me clarify. The list that I’m anti? The ones on Facebook, online, magazines that let you know what you MUST wear, what you HAVE to have, what you CAN’T wear (especially at a certain age), what your relationship MUST do/be/look like. Those lists I’m very anti.

Which may strike you as a little odd, after all I am a fashion blogger. I present ideas to you about what to wear and how to wear it. I have opinions about fashion. However, loves, my goal is never to come across as the fashion police. You don’t have to take my advice (or my two cents). I hope you do-I hope you like what we got going on here. But lists of what you CAN’T or HAVE to wear or do: that’s not my style. Here’s why: I think style is personal, and that there’s absolutely no age limit or have to with it. That’s part of the fun! Style is a way to express yourself, and I don’t believe in placing limits on expressing yourself.

Yes, your style is going to change over time. Yes, you may not like every trend (which I wrote about here), you may not feel comfortable in everything presented to you. That’s ok. Don’t wear what isn’t for you. However, don’t avoid any piece of style simply because a list tells you to–you are beautiful and strong and we get to wear whatever makes us feel great. No matter our age, no matter our size, no matter what a list says.

InvestmentPiece, fashion blogger, anti list, Sunday Chronicles, CA, TX, wear what you like

And lastly the one list that I like: here
Wishing us all a week of self expression and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Home-Coming

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We’ve chatted about home before here, but while that was what home means, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the saying “You can’t go home”. I’ve spent the past year bouncing between LA (my adult home) and TX (my childhood home and where I went to college). As I’ve mentioned I’m so lucky that I feel at peace in both places, and that both still feel like home to me. I have friends and loves and life in both– but it is an odd thing to be a bit of a nomand. This past weekend I went back to my college’s (TCU) homecoming and got to see people from my past and present. I also got reminded this past week of the amount of love in both homes. So can you go home?

I’m not the 22 year old I was when I left campus–and to be frank, I wouldn’t want to be. I’ve changed; because of mistakes, wins and losses, and time. I loved the person that I was, but I love who I am now more. And I hope I continue to change (and get better). The people I know and love in both places have changed too; because of mistakes, wins and losses, and time. Some friendships I had have faded for all those reasons. Some, despite all that, have blossomed and are stronger than ever. And again, I have a life in both places you could argue are my home. I often am between these “two” homes, and each time I travel to one I think to myself, “I’m going home”. However, each of these homes mean different things to me. I have lives in each–but those lives are different. And loves, I don’t hate that. I like that I can get different needs met in different homes. No, that’s not for everyone, but it works for me.

So, can you go home? Yes. I think you can. I just think that we have to face a truth: home (no matter what definition you use) changes. It changes, like us, due to mistakes, wins, and losses; time takes a toll on us all. It is the same, and different, and I think that’s good. We’re not the same we were years ago–why should home be? I think the trick is to appreciate the things about home that stay the same; and appreciate the things about home that change. Is that easy? Not always, but if home can make room for our new parts, we can allow home the same. As I’ve thought about this quote, and my own homes, I think the issue here is not really can you go home, but can you go back to exactly how things were. And loves, I have moments I would love to relive–but we can’t. And maybe, just like home, the lesson is to make room for all the new parts.

I’d love to know–do you think you can go home?

Wishing us all a week of home-comings and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Pop Up

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Loves, I’m super excited to announce that I’m hosting my first pop-up in Fort Worth this week! I will be styling and profiling with the lovely ladies of Beehive and AAVintedge (and ModMelrose) on Thursday, Sept 15 from 4-7pm
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We will have snacks, drinks, and amazing style! I hope that you can join us! And tell your friends!

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Concrete Details:
Investment Piece Pop-Up at
Beehive Ft Worth
5122 Camp Bowie Blvd
4-7pm

Wishing us a week of styling and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: The Class by TT

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Loves, I am a bit of a work out junkie. It’s how I process and “work out” a bunch, how I like to start my day, and makes me feel good to see what my body can do (amongst many other reasons). And as I’ve gotten wiser, not only do I enjoy a physically changellening workout, I want one that speaks to the world beyond the gym as well. I like hearing the messages of “yes, I can”, “be brave”, ones of positivity and working towards my dreams and letting things go. I work out not just for my body, but to remind myself that all things are possible. So, it seemed to be a natural fit that I would try “The Class” by Taryn Toomey. I first read about her on The Coveteur, and loved what I saw. Her class seemmed the perfect balance of a barre type class (which as an old dancer I’m addicted to) and the spiritual message I love. And when I had the chance to take a class with Taryn in LA, I jumped on it!

I have to be honest, while driving to the class I was a tad bit worried that it would be a little “too” meditative for me; I even wondered if I had time to fit in a run if I needed it. Loves, I didn’t need it. I got all the spiritual talking to I needed–I also got my ass kicked. Yes, you’ll shake your body out and work on breathing, there’s also 5 straight minutes of jump squats, a full song of a side lunge/squat combo, a song of leg raises (PS both of those are per side), and you warm up your abs with 5 mins of mountain climbers (with Taryn letting you know you can all the way through). It was fantastic.

It’s the type of class that really stayed with me, and not just because I was sore for days after. Some of the messages that Taryn said throughout class hit home for me. The top ones:
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“You can do this, simply because You CAN do this”
We all know we can do things. We know the power of thoughts, we believe in ourselves, we visualize our dreams. However, I know I can be guilty of using the word “but” when I do all of those things. And I bet you are too. “But” is easy, it feels real, and it seems valid. The great thing about this statement? It cuts through the BS. You can do this because you can do this. Period. So you do it. Or if it’s something that you don’t want to do, don’t do it. Simple.

“Forgive yourself, forgive others, forgive yourself again. That’s the cycle”.
I’m a self admitted perfectionist. And when things work out the way I plan, I can get caught up in blaming myself-for not seeing it coming, for not doing more. What hit me about this is that when we’re told to forgive, we often forget that we (ourselves) are also in need of our own forgiveness. I don’t know many happy people who are not compassionate to themselves. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Forgive yourself again, for good measure.

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I’ve been following “The Class” on Instagram (she has videos of single exercises!) and great little blurbs like the one above. I find them to be energizing–and true. I had such a great time at the Class, I love how much it stayed with me, and I can’t wait to get back!

What have you been loving this week?

Wishing us all a week of balance and amazing shoes! XO RA

Follow the Class on Instagram @theclassbytt and find them online at Taryn Toomey

Sunday Chronicles: Mermaids

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Loves, you have probably seen me joke more than once about being a mermaid (although it’s not really a joke). I love the ocean- and love mermaids, and really want to be one. The good news? There’s a way to become one! More than one company specializes in mermaid photo shoots- complete with tail. And yes, I have every intention of booking mine. While there are several companies that do this, one of my fave from research is Project Mermaids. They not only shoot beautiful pics, part of their proceeds go to charities that help clean our waters and protect the ocean’s animals. So everyone wins. You can find (and book) at Project Mermaids<\a> or follow them on Instagram at @projectmermaids.

I’d love to know: what do you want to be (like a mermaid)? And what are some of the creative ways that you give back?

Wishing us all a week of fins and amazing shoes! XO RA